Sanctioned For Being In A Coma- So She Stole Scrap Metal

A woman whose benefits were sanctioned while she was in a life threatening coma claims she had to resort to stealing scrap metal when released from hospital – because she had no money to survive.

She is just one of thousands needlessly persecuted under the government’s vicious sanctions regime, even after the parliamentary work and pensions committee labelled them “unfair and punitive” and called for an independent review into their usage.

Lisa Hartley, 46, appeared in front of Hull Magistrates’ Court after being caught stealing copper pipe, door handles and a letter box from a derelict council house in the city on March 7.

Hartley, who woke from the coma despite doctors not expecting her to live, told the police at the scene she stole the metal because she “needed a bit of money.”

Solicitor Ed Cunnah, who was defending Hartley, said, “I’m sure you have seen details of the…